Preview — Gregor and the Marks of Secret by Suzanne Collins

Follow Gregor in the next highly anticipated adventure in Suzanne Collins' masterful Underland Chronicles!It's only a few months since Gregor and Boots returned from the Underland, leaving their mother behind to heal from the plague. Though Gregor's family receives frequent updates on her condition, they all know Gregor must return to fulfill his role as the warrior who isFollow Gregor in the next highly anticipated adventure in Suzanne Collins' masterful Underland Chronicles!It's only a few months since Gregor and Boots returned from the Underland, leaving their mother behind to heal from the plague. Though Gregor's family receives frequent updates on her condition, they all know Gregor must return to fulfill his role as the warrior who is key to the Underlanders' survival. Accompanied by his now-talkative, potty-trained little sister Boots, still considered the honorary "princess," Gregor joins forces with another princess -- 12-year-old Luxa -- and Ripred the rat to defend the Underlanders and the vulnerable "Nibblers" or mice, from the rat army....more

Community Reviews

For any Hunger Games fan, the earlier Suzanne Collins series is a worthwhile read. While it doesn't have the depth of THG, and is written for a younger age group (11-12 year olds), it carries many of the same themes as THG: the conflict between different groups, poverty vs wealth, violence and war. In fact, I would consider this series to be more violent and have more death, but the majority of it happens between animal species such as bats, rats, and spiders, and then humans. Various warfare isFor any Hunger Games fan, the earlier Suzanne Collins series is a worthwhile read. While it doesn't have the depth of THG, and is written for a younger age group (11-12 year olds), it carries many of the same themes as THG: the conflict between different groups, poverty vs wealth, violence and war. In fact, I would consider this series to be more violent and have more death, but the majority of it happens between animal species such as bats, rats, and spiders, and then humans. Various warfare is discussed through different books in the series: biological warfare, genocide, stealing land, starving another people group, etc.

Though animals, some of these characters are quite memorable, including the unforgettable Ripred - an uber intelligent and deadly rat. There is another similarity to THG in that the main character is not a violent person by choice, but is forced into circumstances in order to defend his younger sister, Boots... and later the rest of his family. Gregor is a very different hero than Katniss - he is more in touch with his feelings and is not shut down emotionally until the end - but he is responsible for his family in ways that children "should not be", forced out of childhood by the world surrounding him....more

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it,
click here.This wasn't my favorite of the Underland Chronicles so far. Mostly, I think, it just felt like a prelude to the final book. I did like that Gregor continues to think about his role as a warrior and what that really means. I also like that no clear-cut answer is reached. Peace isn't always the right answer, but then neither is war. I'm glad the complexities of the issues weren't oversimplified for the target audience. I imagine there will be more in the fifth book as well.

I found it interesting tThis wasn't my favorite of the Underland Chronicles so far. Mostly, I think, it just felt like a prelude to the final book. I did like that Gregor continues to think about his role as a warrior and what that really means. I also like that no clear-cut answer is reached. Peace isn't always the right answer, but then neither is war. I'm glad the complexities of the issues weren't oversimplified for the target audience. I imagine there will be more in the fifth book as well.

I found it interesting that Gregor never thinks of Hitler or the Holocaust when he witnesses what happens to the "nibblers" (mice). Or if he did, I missed it. I think it's pretty clear that the Bane is Hitler, the other rats are German soldiers, and the mice are Jews. I recently read the graphic novel Maus I, which also portrays Jews as mice.

It's not related, but there was also a scene that reminded me of a scene from Quigley Down Under. If you've read this book and also seen that movie, you know what I'm talking about. Sad. :(

As with the other books in the series, I think it's very interesting that Collins is willing to have very young children go on the adventures. Also, our hero still has both parents alive - if not necessarily in the best of health. While that's not unheard of, it is unusual for this type of YA fantasy adventure story. I like it!...more

I am reading the series with my 12 year old. We are really enjoying the series. However, I was vaguely dissatisfied with the ending. This time the adventure didn't end. Maybe Collins bit off more than would fit in one book and just divided this story into two books. The horror of the mice being poisoned also got to me. 5/1/10

Finished reading this with my youngest and started the 5th right away. I told him I would read to him this morning, if he got up before I went to work, since he didn't wantI am reading the series with my 12 year old. We are really enjoying the series. However, I was vaguely dissatisfied with the ending. This time the adventure didn't end. Maybe Collins bit off more than would fit in one book and just divided this story into two books. The horror of the mice being poisoned also got to me. 5/1/10

Finished reading this with my youngest and started the 5th right away. I told him I would read to him this morning, if he got up before I went to work, since he didn't want me to stop last night. So, I had to read for 5 minutes this morning too....more

Another good story, lots of conflict and adventure, and fun to read. There was more friction between the characters, and I felt a little less connected to them. It did bother me that they again take the pups (kids) into a very dangerous situation, this time through a few poor decisions rather than necessity.

Unlike the previous three, this book is unresolved at the end. The next book will be a continuation of this story rather than the beginning of a new episode. I am hoping that the last book wiAnother good story, lots of conflict and adventure, and fun to read. There was more friction between the characters, and I felt a little less connected to them. It did bother me that they again take the pups (kids) into a very dangerous situation, this time through a few poor decisions rather than necessity.

Unlike the previous three, this book is unresolved at the end. The next book will be a continuation of this story rather than the beginning of a new episode. I am hoping that the last book will continue the Gregor tradition of having a good but reasonable ending....more

For middle grade fiction, these books are getting awfully dark and quite tragic - but what can we expect from the woman who gave us Hunger Games? There are many things I like about Suzanne Collins writing, but one of the big things is that injuries and damage - both emotional and physical - actually have affect the person suffering them. When characters are knocked unconscious and resuscitated with head injuries, they are not ready to go running about fighting. No, they are seriously injured. KiFor middle grade fiction, these books are getting awfully dark and quite tragic - but what can we expect from the woman who gave us Hunger Games? There are many things I like about Suzanne Collins writing, but one of the big things is that injuries and damage - both emotional and physical - actually have affect the person suffering them. When characters are knocked unconscious and resuscitated with head injuries, they are not ready to go running about fighting. No, they are seriously injured. Killing causes emotional turmoil. It makes it more real, more gritty, more affective (as in, inducing emotion in the reader).

There are some truly heart-breaking moments in this book.

I listened to the audio version, skilfully narrated. It is the fourth I have listened to in short succession....more

There`s one thing that I hate the most in this world, aside from liars. That is not knowing of things..And the name for this one, 'Marks of secret' was enough to fuel me into detest and much angriness..I want to know things, learnt them by reading, and not just be speared with reason that tells me that I`ve enough to just know, but not to learn from it..

Understand? No?

Ok, imagine HP, clueless with the infos on deathly hallows anHolding that one star because I was sulking..hmmph..*crowd a corner*

There`s one thing that I hate the most in this world, aside from liars. That is not knowing of things..And the name for this one, 'Marks of secret' was enough to fuel me into detest and much angriness..I want to know things, learnt them by reading, and not just be speared with reason that tells me that I`ve enough to just know, but not to learn from it..

Understand? No?

Ok, imagine HP, clueless with the infos on deathly hallows and how frustrated he was that Dumbledore was leaving him in the dark hoping that he would somehow found the connections from the clues he`d leaved behind after his death?

That`s what I`m feeling at this moment as I`m typing this. Reading this one means that you have to ride with the writing, accepting the bends as the author stretched us.

Which honestly, was cool.

Okay..GREAT.

Not trying to spoil anything, but there wasn`t really much fightings in this book. Yes, there`s more death than we could count for the last three ones, but still, I`m missing all the times when Gregor would try to pick up the sword to kill those who attacked his group. The plot however was something to look for. Starting to swerve more to reality, accounting on Gregor`s would be last mission as Overlander and leaving the Underland forever. The last war. Can a twelve do this? Idk..Reality struck him as too young to even do that, but I`m going to cheat a bit into thinking him as this healthy rugged handsome teen aged 18. The kind of age where the blades wouldn`t felt from his grip anymore..Only Boots should stay two forever though.

Still hate the method that Sandwich was using though..Too overused in this one series..Other than that, love the whole thing.

There are so many fans out there of the Hunger Games books, and every time I encounter one of them I tell them I really liked that trilogy but I absolutely love the Underland Chronicles. With each of the books in the quintet I appreciate the writing and stories more. The growth and development of the characters and the plot is amazing. Watching Lexa and Gregor grow is a wonderful experience. Not since reading Madeleine L'Engle books years ago have I wanted to know what was happening with the chaThere are so many fans out there of the Hunger Games books, and every time I encounter one of them I tell them I really liked that trilogy but I absolutely love the Underland Chronicles. With each of the books in the quintet I appreciate the writing and stories more. The growth and development of the characters and the plot is amazing. Watching Lexa and Gregor grow is a wonderful experience. Not since reading Madeleine L'Engle books years ago have I wanted to know what was happening with the characters when I was not reading about them, or found myself wondering what happens to them next, where they will be in 5 years or in 10 years. These are amazing characters and the series is incredible.

The biggest difference in this book over the preceding 3 in the series is that Gregor does not know or have a copy of the prophecy that he so heavily plays a role in. In fact, this prophecy is so dark, so bad, no one will tell him about it, not even Ripred. You know it's bad when a giant rat, considered the most cold- hearted creature in all of the underland, does not want to burden you with it.

The progression in this story was very different from the first three. First, as mentioned, we do not know the prophecy going into the adventure. Second, we do not have a clear resolution like the earlier books. Three, both Gregor and Luxa grow immensely in this book. Their characters mature, and are stretched. C.S. Lewis once stated ""Mere change is not growth. Growth is the synthesis of change and continuity, and where there is no continuity there is no growth." In both Gregor and Luxa we see serious growth and I cannot wait to start book 5. This is an amazing series; give it a shot - you will find yourself addicted.

Now this one. This one reminds me of Hunger Games. This is the style from Suzanne Collins I love. I had a hard time putting the book down and, when I did, I kept thinking about parts of the plot. So far definitely my favorite in the series. Gregor is finally sort of seeming grown up. I know it's young adult fiction and I'm all for reliving my awkward adolescence, but sometimes I just want to yell at characters to grow up. Now he is and it's excellent. Many near-death experiences, more people notNow this one. This one reminds me of Hunger Games. This is the style from Suzanne Collins I love. I had a hard time putting the book down and, when I did, I kept thinking about parts of the plot. So far definitely my favorite in the series. Gregor is finally sort of seeming grown up. I know it's young adult fiction and I'm all for reliving my awkward adolescence, but sometimes I just want to yell at characters to grow up. Now he is and it's excellent. Many near-death experiences, more people not liking the humans, rats being bad, a few new creatures to meet.... Plus, may I say Ripred has easily become my favorite character? Who knew a giant rat could be so sarcastic and yet so lovable and wise? Of course, Boots is right up there too. Probably because she reminds me of my own daughter. The rest of the series may be okay, but it's worth it to get to this one. I would give it 4.5 stars....more

So far this is the most mature and well-formed book in the series. The focus on ethnic-cleansing resonated with my Jewish heritage. Characters and story elements have finally begun to mature and pay off.

The old contrivances are still there, including childish prophecies, the 'rager' conceit, and dragging a toddler into the most dangerous situations imaginable. They continue to hold back what could be a pretty cool story.

The biggest complaint I have is that the Underlanders, despite having intereSo far this is the most mature and well-formed book in the series. The focus on ethnic-cleansing resonated with my Jewish heritage. Characters and story elements have finally begun to mature and pay off.

The old contrivances are still there, including childish prophecies, the 'rager' conceit, and dragging a toddler into the most dangerous situations imaginable. They continue to hold back what could be a pretty cool story.

The biggest complaint I have is that the Underlanders, despite having interest in and access to the Overland, never visit or move there. Why has there never been a person who said, "Hey, the rats are coming. Let's go above ground and get a few of those 'gun' things we keep hearing about!"

However, with only one book left, I will be finishing off this series. I hope that they continue the upward trend....more

This is by far the best in the series so far! The writing style is the same, but the story is so much deeper. Not as dependent on the inevitable prophecy as the others, although of course it's there! But the characters are maturing, and the historical allusions are powerful. Gotta go get the last installment!

First, the ending. No! No cliff hanger! (Actually, I was impressed and really like it, but I don't like knowing there is only one more book).

Characters, great as always. I loved the confrontation with the scorpions, and that Gregor learned what the underland name for humans is (hint: it isn't "walkers" but something more sinister).I found scenes a little harder to follow this time, but I don't know if that was because the scenes were actually rushed or because I kept trying to multitask while IFirst, the ending. No! No cliff hanger! (Actually, I was impressed and really like it, but I don't like knowing there is only one more book).

Characters, great as always. I loved the confrontation with the scorpions, and that Gregor learned what the underland name for humans is (hint: it isn't "walkers" but something more sinister).I found scenes a little harder to follow this time, but I don't know if that was because the scenes were actually rushed or because I kept trying to multitask while I listened to the audiobook.Secrets. Everything about this book was full of secrets and mystery. What happened to Ripred? Where were the mice? What was going on with the Bane? What was the prophecy? What were Gregor and friends supposed to do about it?...more

I liked this better than book 3 as the plot progressed more, but it's still not entirely living up to it's potential. It's main problem, IMHO, is that the protagonist keeps pulling his 2 year old sister along on ridiculously dangerous missions. It worked for the first 2 books, but then it started to get a bit hard to believe that events force him to bring her along over and over again.

DavidOThis better not be the same plot as the first 3 books, reheated once again. No one likes re-re-refried beans. (or do they? Maybe that would be delicioThis better not be the same plot as the first 3 books, reheated once again. No one likes re-re-refried beans. (or do they? Maybe that would be delicious)...more
Feb 20, 2014 12:49PM

This is a very good book, it is the 4th book in the series and i read the first three and they are also very exciting. This book's genre is adventure or fantasy. Out of the four books in the series, i think this one was not the best. It was still very intereestign to find out what happened in the story, but it was sort of dull.

The book takes place in the Underland with main character, Gregor, and many of his friends and family. Gregor and a group of his friends, including Luxa, go on a mission tThis is a very good book, it is the 4th book in the series and i read the first three and they are also very exciting. This book's genre is adventure or fantasy. Out of the four books in the series, i think this one was not the best. It was still very intereestign to find out what happened in the story, but it was sort of dull.

The book takes place in the Underland with main character, Gregor, and many of his friends and family. Gregor and a group of his friends, including Luxa, go on a mission to find what has happened to the mice. They come to find a terrible fate for the mice brought on by the rats. This unravels yet another prohpecy for Regailia's beloved warrior, Gregor....more

I don't think I can stand this series by Book 4. It's always the same thing - Gregor was forced into doing something in each and every book and not appreciated. Dude, didn't you learn anything from previous books? Again, he had to figure some sort of prophecy, save people's ass, clean up other people's mess and carry the hopes of both worlds. And to make things more interesting, he's in love with a brat.

The setting and idea were a lot similar to THG but it was more annoying with useless, bureaucI don't think I can stand this series by Book 4. It's always the same thing - Gregor was forced into doing something in each and every book and not appreciated. Dude, didn't you learn anything from previous books? Again, he had to figure some sort of prophecy, save people's ass, clean up other people's mess and carry the hopes of both worlds. And to make things more interesting, he's in love with a brat.

The setting and idea were a lot similar to THG but it was more annoying with useless, bureaucratic adults, cranky children, catastrophic disasters following them everywhere (the plot was mostly getting lost and avoiding being killed by animals and natural disasters) and people dying because of a rotten queen/child was allowed to make wonderful decisions like picnics and declaring wars.

The whole 5 books could have been prevented if Vikus was king and tried for peace instead of following his war-crazed wife's order and attacked everyone or wait for a saviour. I'm beginning to resent stories with prophecies. Maybe I should take out another star from Percy Jackson's review. This prophecy business is making people look for an easy way out and blame it all on the weatherman.

Also, I just finished Journey to the Center of the Earth and comparing the 2 books, I don't think the underground climate in Regalia was close to being logical. With the Waterway, they should have their own microclimate. I know it's fictional but I'm just angry and ready to pick at anything.

Up until this point, I think, the Underland Chronicles were simply entertaining, if somewhat typical, children's reads. Obviously, I enjoyed them -- I got this far, didn't I? But I was enjoying the fun of them, the adventure of them... However, the fourth Underlander book gets serious. While the notions of family, justice, and fate that are emphasized in all the other chronicles are present here, this book has more weight for two reasons. Firstly, it's a pretty solid mystery. I felt the ultimateUp until this point, I think, the Underland Chronicles were simply entertaining, if somewhat typical, children's reads. Obviously, I enjoyed them -- I got this far, didn't I? But I was enjoying the fun of them, the adventure of them... However, the fourth Underlander book gets serious. While the notions of family, justice, and fate that are emphasized in all the other chronicles are present here, this book has more weight for two reasons. Firstly, it's a pretty solid mystery. I felt the ultimate direction of books one to three were fairly obvious from the get go. Not so here. There's a greater sense of danger, as well. Secondly, the comparisons to the holocaust simply must be made. And this is no light, easy introduction to the notion of genocide. It's grim and brutal. Like the Harry Potter series, this one has grown with its readers -- fun if you happen to be around for it, not so fun when you are 8 and can't understand why mom wants you to wait to finish the series. However, as a grownup reader of kids' books, I'm really enjoying it....more

Gregor and the Marks of Secret is probably the saddest in the Underland Chronicles. It really brings to mind the Holocaust, in a way. Also, the Bane finally appears as a villain and there is lots of buildup for the final book. This is another series where the books get better and better, and I love that.

The Bane is slightly creepy and disturbing, especially if you look at his first appearance in the tunnels with Ripred and Gregor and then his appearance at the front of a rat horde. The transformGregor and the Marks of Secret is probably the saddest in the Underland Chronicles. It really brings to mind the Holocaust, in a way. Also, the Bane finally appears as a villain and there is lots of buildup for the final book. This is another series where the books get better and better, and I love that.

The Bane is slightly creepy and disturbing, especially if you look at his first appearance in the tunnels with Ripred and Gregor and then his appearance at the front of a rat horde. The transformation is shocking and more than a little menacing, and just gives further hype to the inevitable face-off between Gregor and the Bane.

Aw, the poor, poor mice. This is a really sad, hand-to-mouth-gasping book in regards to what the rats are doing to the mice. It makes Luxa’s reaction a little more understandable, even though you know that it won’t end well because Collins has been more-than-hinting that the solution lies elsewhere.

I like the fact that Collins diverted from the usual “they go on a quest and follow a prophecy” plot line that she used for the first three books. The prophecy in this book isn’t discovered until later, and after it’s a little too late to do anything other than just acknowledge it.

Obligatory cheer for Boots and Ripred. Yay!

Character development for Luxa! That’s been a long time coming. She’s still not completely there yet, but you can definitely see the change in her.

Life has changed a lot without his mom's presence at home. Gregor makes frequent trips to the Underland to visit her and the rest of his friends, and although not everything is peaceful, he doesn't have the shadow of a prophecy hanging over him. But even without a prophecy, he finds himself on another quest. The nibblers are vanishing, and Luxa is determined to figure out why.

The series keeps getting darker: the fate of the nibblers is presented in all its stark brutality. It's the simple detailLife has changed a lot without his mom's presence at home. Gregor makes frequent trips to the Underland to visit her and the rest of his friends, and although not everything is peaceful, he doesn't have the shadow of a prophecy hanging over him. But even without a prophecy, he finds himself on another quest. The nibblers are vanishing, and Luxa is determined to figure out why.

The series keeps getting darker: the fate of the nibblers is presented in all its stark brutality. It's the simple details that make it so powerful, the lack of focus on the messy parts, and in particular Gregor's inability to explain it to the now-three-years-old Boots.

Ripred's role in the whole debacle is also interesting, as is his take on its solution. It's typical Ripred: brutal and to the point. But is it actually wrong? Especially compared to what happened when Gregor hesitated, and what could yet happen. There are no easy answers, despite having a clear right and a clear wrong. The history between the Underland races is complex, the current situation has multiple driving forces, and one death more or less may not be enough to actually change things.

On a less positive note, the book is riddled with formatting errors. One or two are easy enough to ignore, but there were at least a dozen that I noticed. Hopefully this gets cleaned up in a future printing of the book, as it was very distracting.

Overall the series continues to improve. The story continues to be fast-paced, funny, and unafraid to tackle some very dark and convoluted issues. I rate this book Recommended....more

Gregor returns to Underland again, this time he is trying to help Luxa save the Nibblers (mice) from the rats. The rats are being led by an adolescent Bane, the white rat Gregor refused to kill in an earlier adventure. Despite Ripred's upbringing, Bane is obsessed with destroying the Nibblers, who have always had a friendly relationship with humans, and in turn, destroying the humans themselves.

Luxa has a special relationship with the mice having been saved by them when she was trapped during anGregor returns to Underland again, this time he is trying to help Luxa save the Nibblers (mice) from the rats. The rats are being led by an adolescent Bane, the white rat Gregor refused to kill in an earlier adventure. Despite Ripred's upbringing, Bane is obsessed with destroying the Nibblers, who have always had a friendly relationship with humans, and in turn, destroying the humans themselves.

Luxa has a special relationship with the mice having been saved by them when she was trapped during an earlier quest. Upon her rescue she vowed to return to help the mice if they ever needed her. She gave them her crown and told them that if they returned it to her, she would immediately come to their rescue.

When her crown is returned to her, she goes to the jungle to see what has happened. She finds the Nibbler jungle colony abandoned. But, a secret mark (a scythe) has been left behind. The adventurers travel to the other Nibbler colony and find it deserted as well. They find only one mouse remaining - Cartesian. He is not able to explain much of what happened and is both physically and emotionally traumatized by whatever did occur.

After much exploration they learn that the Nibblers are leaving their colonies to be "relocated" by the rats. Cartesian is sure that this relocation is a sham. He is convinced that the Nibblers are going to be killed not - relocated. He is the one who left the mark of the scythe behind - this mark is an indicator of death.

They follow the trail of the Nibblers and find that Cartesian is correct. Hundreds of mice have been led to their deaths at the base of a volcano. The volcano explodes and buries these mice. The team is covered in volcanic ash, their lungs are congested with the ash and they are unable to use their normal route back to Regalia.

Luxa makes a vow on the bodies of the mice which, in essence, is a declaration of war against the Rats. They begin to make their way back to Regalia and run into some old acquaintances - the fireflies. This is a boon because they have run out of torches and flashlights. They finally return to Regalia where planning for battle is underway....more

So, I sped my way through this one, and probably haven't retained as much as I could have. But the gist of it is that Gregor drops back down to the Underland, this time with no immediate prophecy looming over his head, and helps Luxa find out where all the missing mice went, and the mystery of why they suddenly disappeared. Also there's some nasty stuff brewing with the rats, at the heart of which is the unpleasant Bane, whose life was spared by Gregor when the rat was just a baby. Now the BaneSo, I sped my way through this one, and probably haven't retained as much as I could have. But the gist of it is that Gregor drops back down to the Underland, this time with no immediate prophecy looming over his head, and helps Luxa find out where all the missing mice went, and the mystery of why they suddenly disappeared. Also there's some nasty stuff brewing with the rats, at the heart of which is the unpleasant Bane, whose life was spared by Gregor when the rat was just a baby. Now the Bane is grown up, and as a result, kind of terrifying - becoming the first major bad guy in the series, and not a bad one, at that. Things are darker in this installment, which is saying something, considering how it's ALWAYS dark, and violent, and stressful. That being said, it's also much lighter than the Hunger Games (which goes to show just how dark the Hunger Games are.) There's enough humor here, more than enough, that the darkness is easy enough to wade through, even while it grips at your heart and makes you dread the end of each chapter (traditionally when the bad things happen.) Also some things are changing in The Marks of Secret - for one, you've got the inevitable 9-12 romance beginning between Gregor and Luxa, which I saw coming a million miles off. I don't exactly mind it, it's just that I've had so much experience reading through these awkward moments over the years that I feel like I know exactly what twists and turns their relationship is going to take. I'm pretty sure there's got to be some kind of young romance step-by-step instruction booklet that authors consult before writing their books - and in the booklet it says that the characters have got to argue, trade the odd cold silence, stare longingly at each other at least once, and ultimately make up and get on with things despite the fact that the society, or the government, or whoever is against them and tells them they shouldn't bother with romance. Naturally, Gregor and Luxa fight, trade the odd cold silence, and I'm not sure about her but Gregor stares at her longingly at least three times during this book. None of this is bad, it's just really by-the-numbers. Even so, I still sort of enjoyed it. I like to watch characters evolve and develop different feelings, even if it's pulled right out of an instruction booklet. And Gregor and Luxa, however stereotypical this 9-12 romance might be, are still great characters and I'm still rooting for them.

Gregor especially is one of the most effortlessly likable characters I've ever come across. I put him right up there with Todd from Chaos Walking and Percy Jackson. He's SUPER relatable, and inherently good but not perfect, like a real person. Everything that he chooses to do would be things that I would probably do as well - so you're never stuck wanting to reach through the pages and strangle him because he did something dumb. He gets scared, and freaked out, and sometimes doesn't know how to handle things - but he's always brave and wants to help in any way he can. In the first book he didn't seem very eleven-ish in some ways, but now he's started to grow into himself, or maybe Suzanne Collins just started to find the right words for him - and he's very much a twelve year old kid, even if he's also the supposed "warrior" of prophecy and is pretty handy with a sword, for that matter. He's a great character to use as a gateway to the strange, violent world of the Underland.Some other points: the characters in this series all have different personalities, which Suzanne Collins wins many points for, because it's pretty easy to be lazy and not bother to make the people you're writing about unique. Also, all of them, even the bad ones, can find a way to make you sympathize with them, which is a very uncommon talent in a writer. And although most of the Underland's population are giant creatures such as rats and bats and lizards, they all are humanized, and so you learn to respect them. It used to surprise me a bit when a cockroach or something would suddenly say something wonderful, or a giant lethal scorpion would make friends with Gregor and his group, but it doesn't anymore - now I know that almost nothing, if not nothing, in the Underland is inherently bad. Even the new bad guy doesn't seem to be completely bad. It's actually pretty neat, how they're all slowly learning to accept one another, all the different species that live in the sprawling caverns of the Underland - the gnawers, the nibblers, the fliers, the crawlers, the hissers, even the killers.

I think that's probably what I liked best about this book. There's an anti-war message here, but it's not so black and white; and some people want peace, while others aren't averse to running headlong into all-out war. Gregor doesn't want to be a warrior and would prefer peace himself, while Luxa makes a decision to begin a war - for good reason, but then again, it's hard to know what's a good reason and what's a bad one in this story. Everything is three-dimensional and complicated, and all the characters interact like they really would in real life - you know, if giant bats and cockroaches actually existed.

I'm looking forward to the last book in the series, but I'm also upset that it's ending. I've been really impressed so far. 4/5 stars for Gregor and the Marks of Secret. ...more

Gregor and the Marks of Secret is a really great build-up to the final book, in my opinion. We learn about the aftermath of the plague in the third book, characters become much better defined and the ever-present threat of war finally becomes a reality. Honestly, what’s not to like about this book?

Unlike in The Hunger Games, Suzanne Collins allows the romance to develop at a natural pace. The young love between Luxa and Gregor begins to bloom, with all of the awkwardness and heartache that it enGregor and the Marks of Secret is a really great build-up to the final book, in my opinion. We learn about the aftermath of the plague in the third book, characters become much better defined and the ever-present threat of war finally becomes a reality. Honestly, what’s not to like about this book?

Unlike in The Hunger Games, Suzanne Collins allows the romance to develop at a natural pace. The young love between Luxa and Gregor begins to bloom, with all of the awkwardness and heartache that it entails. Collins does not neglect relationships between other characters as well, as evidenced by Howard’s almost brotherly protectiveness of Luxa and Vikus’ rocky relationship with Solovet. These relationships are in the background, but they have certainly not been neglected.

As always, the plot moves along very quickly as Gregor rushes head-on toward his ultimate destiny. There are rarely any slow scenes, but the ones that are present are a welcome reprieve when you need to put the book down and go to sleep. Both boys and girls will enjoy this book because the themes of love and loyalty are universal and Gregor is an excellent narrator. Suzanne Collins’ Underland Chronicles have long taken a back seat to her more famous Hunger Games trilogy, but it’s time that they were recognized for the great books they are.

This is probably the weakest Underland book I've read so far. That's probably because it isn't particularly action-driven. This story is almost an interlude, and its primary goal is to set up the big finale.

And it does a good job of that. You are left excited to see how the series ends.

But that just means the ending was good. The rest of the novel wasn't nearly as engaging. Luxa and Gregor stumble accidentally on an adventure. But it feels... disjointed, somehow.

ThWow, I finished that one fast.

This is probably the weakest Underland book I've read so far. That's probably because it isn't particularly action-driven. This story is almost an interlude, and its primary goal is to set up the big finale.

And it does a good job of that. You are left excited to see how the series ends.

But that just means the ending was good. The rest of the novel wasn't nearly as engaging. Luxa and Gregor stumble accidentally on an adventure. But it feels... disjointed, somehow.

The other stories are intensely focused--you know (roughly) what the heroes need to do, where they're going, and why. The prophecy gimmick is silly and overused, but it works. It gives the outline of a heroic story.

This is the only Underland novel without a prophecy, and the story feels meandering because of it. They go one place. They learn a little of a terrible atrocity. They accidentally get trapped. They learn a little more. They seem to learn things by accident, encounter characters by accident, and stumble right in front of of every bit of story they need to know. This is less an adventure than a gradual, tense, but extremely linear story. As if they just have to keep walking forward to encounter the next bit of the mystery.

And some of it was confusing. (view spoiler)[The first pit of dead mice wasn't, apparently, every single mouse from the Fount. So where were the rest? Somewhere in the Firelands? When they encountered the mice being murdered in the volcano, those were mice from the jungle. None of these represented all the mice that were driven into the Firelands--apparently there will still be thousands left for Ripred to try and find with Luxa--but... why, then, did the rats just drive a few hundred to their death and then leave? If they wanted to kill the mice so badly, why did they only kill a handful?

Are there rats staying behind to work their faux concentration camps? I just... had no good mental idea of where the mice and rats were in this great big tableau. It's horrible, yes. But confusing. (hide spoiler)]

Ultimately, this is not an action-driven story. Some terrible things happen, but it doesn't have the sense of urgency or immediacy that the other stories have. It's just some kids on an ill-advised adventure, learning more and more of a mystery... until they turn and leave and prepare for the big finale in the last book.

So it's a filler novel. It got me to the last book. I'll be excited to see where that one goes.["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>...more

Give me more!!! I love Suzanne Collins and her writing style is awesome. This book was a fast read, and I can't wait to get my hands on the last book of the series. She just loves leaving you hanging. I really enjoy that the characters are so likable, and seem so realistic. I can't wait until my kids are old enough to enjoy this series.

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it,
click here.This book is amazing action packed and filled with adventure it is the fourth part of the underland chronicles. This book is an action adventure.

In this story gregor goes to the underword for his friends birthday party the later on his friend luxa gets a crown from a messanger sent by "nibblers" (mice) and she sneaks away to save them while lieing to people and saying there on a picnic when really gregor luxa hazard howard and boot to the jungle where they find all the nibblers are missing so thThis book is amazing action packed and filled with adventure it is the fourth part of the underland chronicles. This book is an action adventure.

In this story gregor goes to the underword for his friends birthday party the later on his friend luxa gets a crown from a messanger sent by "nibblers" (mice) and she sneaks away to save them while lieing to people and saying there on a picnic when really gregor luxa hazard howard and boot to the jungle where they find all the nibblers are missing so they fall into this reavn that then they find bane and an army of rats giving a perp talk so then they leave and run into a scorpion and its kids. But they become friends and the group leaves to the firelands where boots try to iceskate but the ice calapses and shows ripred a friendly rat.

I was suprised that ms comineri belived gregor about the underworld. The character changed because gregor starts to like killing. This book has sooo much action but still comedy and none of the battles are even close to being the same. In the begining gregor hated fighting.

I didn't agree with solvet making his mom stay sick so gregor would stay. I thought that was wrong. The piont of veiw in the story was third person. I know this because it says gregor said luxa said. I like the was the piont of view was perfect.

This book should have had more fighting secnes. This book is three stars compared to the rest. I rated this three because it was diffrent to the others and had less action i got mad when gregor liked killing. I recomed this to anyone that like action comedys. This book will leave you wanting more....more

I really enjoyed these books! The character names and ages are clearly targeted for the pre-teen and young kid ages, but the simple and clean writing make it a fun read. I loved the characters and the values expressed. Recommend this for anyone... especially parents looking for a book they can read with their big kids.

I think this book was an amazing book.Especially with Gregor and His friends Luxa,Temp,Howard,hazard,Ares his bats,Aurora and Boots his sister.I think this book is really good for those who like fantasy books or fiction books.I also,Think that this series is the best Level V book of fantasy series.You should really read this book as it has ALOT and I mean ALOT of intense action 24/7.While Gregor's mom is in the hospital,Gregor is out there facing some real challenges.They had to leave some of thI think this book was an amazing book.Especially with Gregor and His friends Luxa,Temp,Howard,hazard,Ares his bats,Aurora and Boots his sister.I think this book is really good for those who like fantasy books or fiction books.I also,Think that this series is the best Level V book of fantasy series.You should really read this book as it has ALOT and I mean ALOT of intense action 24/7.While Gregor's mom is in the hospital,Gregor is out there facing some real challenges.They had to leave some of the dead in the past as Hazards well loved friend Thalia Died in the poisonous gas while Gregor got sent back instead of wanted to fight since he didn't have the sword of Sandwich which is the best sword for a warrior like him.I rate this book 5 starts out of 5 because of it's intense action and the big crush gregor has on the queen Luxa.

Librarian Note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.

Since 1991, Suzanne Collins has been busy writing for children’s television. She has worked on the staffs of several Nickelodeon shows, including the Emmy-nominated hit Clarissa Explains it All and The Mystery Files of Shelby Woo. For preschool viewers, she penned multiple stories for the Emmy-nominated Little BLibrarian Note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.

Since 1991, Suzanne Collins has been busy writing for children’s television. She has worked on the staffs of several Nickelodeon shows, including the Emmy-nominated hit Clarissa Explains it All and The Mystery Files of Shelby Woo. For preschool viewers, she penned multiple stories for the Emmy-nominated Little Bear and Oswald. She also co-wrote the critically acclaimed Rankin/Bass Christmas special, Santa, Baby! Most recently she was the Head Writer for Scholastic Entertainment’s Clifford’s Puppy Days.

While working on a Kids WB show called Generation O! she met children’s author James Proimos, who talked her into giving children’s books a try.

Thinking one day about Alice in Wonderland, she was struck by how pastoral the setting must seem to kids who, like her own, lived in urban surroundings. In New York City, you’re much more likely to fall down a manhole than a rabbit hole and, if you do, you’re not going to find a tea party. What you might find...? Well, that’s the story of Gregor the Overlander, the first book in her five-part series, The Underland Chronicles. Suzanne also has a rhyming picture book illustrated by Mike Lester entitled When Charlie McButton Lost Power.

She currently lives in Connecticut with her family and a pair of feral kittens they adopted from their backyard.

The books she is most successful for in teenage eyes are The Hunger Games, Catching Fire and Mockingjay. These books have won several awards, including the GA Peach Award. ...more